Caroline stood there, alone in the cold, dim passage, her heart still racing as the echoes of Damon’s footsteps faded into the distance. She felt as though her body was still reeling from his touch, from the almost overpowering pull of his presence. It was like a drug, a poison that had seeped into her veins, and for a fleeting moment, she wondered if she could ever truly escape it.
But there was no time for weakness. No time for doubt.
She straightened herself, forcing the tremble in her hands to stop. She had to keep moving. The plan had been set into motion, and there was no turning back now. If she hesitated, she knew Damon would find her—and this time, he wouldn’t let her go. She couldn’t risk that.
With quick, measured steps, she turned toward the passage that would lead her out o
